Road To Halloween: Caitlin’s Top 5 Quirky Horror Films

Written by Caitlin Cooper October 31, 2017

Halloween isn’t just a time for watching slasher films, it’s a time for all things creepy, especially creepy creatures: evil witches, zombies, vampires, ghosts, and werewolves. But while some people will settle in with a treat and some hardcore horror, I tend to indulge in horror films that are a little different. They aren’t always scary, but they’re damn good films about all the infamous creatures we think of on Halloween. Here are my top 5 quirky Halloween films that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

5. Blood and Chocolate (2007)

This werewolf movie is probably unknown to most people. These werewolves are depicted as majestic, yet prone to animal instincts and sexism. Vivian (Agnes Bruckner) resists the traditions of her pack, especially after she meets artist Aiden (Hugh Dancy). Aiden is fascinated by wolves, and they bond over their respect for the species — though she hides her wolf form from him. Things become more complicated when her family forces her to choose between the pack and her relationship with Aiden. There’s action, romance, and enough mythology to make any fan of werewolves happy. Blood and Chocolate pays homage to the werewolf genre with reverence, but doesn’t shy away from showing their dark side. Some may call this film a little cheesy, but to me it’s just a unique take on a well-known creature.

4. The Messengers (2007)

If you like ghost horror films, The Messengers is a good one. It has suspense, scares, and a mystery. The setting is in a dark house to match the dark history lurking underneath. The colours are likewise pretty muted and dark. The main character is played by none other than Kristen Stewart, pre-Twilight days. The special effects of the ghosts have a similar style to The Grudge, but the story is rather more interesting. I don’t tend to enjoy ghost films, so it’s huge for me to even like The Messengers. This is a horror film I’ve watched again and again, and I enjoy it every time.

3. Zombieland (2009)

Zombie films are one of the most popular creature horror genres out there. The Walking Dead is one of the most well-known zombie shows, though I much prefer iZombie and Santa Clarita Diet. It should come as no surprise, then, that one of my favourite zombie films is Zombieland which cleverly combines horror, gore, and comedy. It plays as not only a tale of survivors, but also as a how-to…survive the zombie apocalypse. There’s plenty of gore to satisfy zombie fans, and enough of a story-line to ground it. Zombieland has fun with the zombie genre, and that means you’ll have fun too. There’s a socially awkward young man trying to survive and make it back home; a suave man in search of the last Twinkie since factories closed down; and two ruthless sisters doing everything they can to stay alive. If that’s not enough to convince you, then the winning cast combination of Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, and more should do it.

2. Dracula Untold (2014)

My list of wouldn’t be complete without a vampire movie. The genre is pretty saturated, but I’ll never grow tired of it. I love vampire movies, and Dracula Untoldreally impressed me. It’s dark, dramatic, and action-packed. It’s an origin story of Vlad Tepes becoming Dracula. He begins as a man desperate to protect his people, and makes a deal that leads him into a path of darkness. He doesn’t lose himself, but that doesn’t stop him from decimating armies and impaling enemies. Dracula Untold has a fantastic cast, and the special effects are downright awesome. Gary Shore directed, and though he has a short resume, he made an eerie and epic film. For me, this has become a classic vampire film even though Vlad isn’t depicted as a villain. Like traditional vampires, though, he can’t stand silver, sunlight, or crosses. But he’s also got some cool abilities like control over bats, shape-shifting, and super strength/speed. The movie has an open ending, and I would love to see a sequel.

1. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)

It is a truth universally acknowledged that zombies and Jane Austen make a highly entertaining combination. My absolute favourite quirky Halloween movie is none other than a horror twist on Jane Austen’s most well-known novel, Pride and Prejudice. As soon as I saw the trailer for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, I knew I had to see it. Yes, it’s cheesy, but it’s so damn entertaining. We’ve got regency manners and romance, and badass women and men killing zombies. Lizzie (Lily James) and Darcy (Sam Riley) have a battle of wits and also kick each other’s asses. It’s Jane Austen, but exaggerated. All the beloved characters are present, and the script is perfectly hilarious. It’s a good blend of horror and comedy in a 19th century setting. The acting is also well done. For all Jane Austen fans, this movie is a delight with its fun and horror. For zombie fans, prepare yourselves for something different than you’re used to.

Pick a movie (or three). Grab a seat and some treats. And have a happy Halloween!

About Caitlin Cooper

Caitlin is an avid watcher of movies and television shows so she decided to use her passion to write about them. She has a B.A. in English Language and Literature with a Minor in Creative Writing.